Inside the Schedule

The good news about the first half of the season is that the Panthers' toughest games against the Seahawks, Giants and Falcons are all in Charlotte. It's a daunting start to the second half of the season; with a trip to San Francisco followed by a "Monday Night Football" showdown with the Patriots. Carolina has to go through the traditional NFC South powers in December, with two games against the Saints and the finale at Atlanta.

Key Game

Week 17 vs. Falcons
The Panthers gave the Falcons all they could handle last season, losing one game in the final minute and dominating the other in a 30-20 victory. To take the NFC South crown, the Panthers are going to have to win at the Georgia Dome in the season finale.